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Big freeze boosts skiing industry

Scotland's beleaguered skiing industry is enjoying a boost from the cold snap, with business so far this season up three-fold.

Takings at the country's five ski centres have tripled from the same period last year due to the prolonged bout of freezing weather.

Skiing and snowboarding contributed £12m to the local economy in the Highlands during the 2008/9 season but the figure could reach up to £30m this year.

Operators said enthusiasts who normally opted for skiing packages in the Alps were now flocking north of the border. It is a massive bonus for the industry which has been struggling in recent years due to climate change and the rise of cheap flights to foreign resorts.

Since the start of the winter season at the end of November, more than 65,000 people have visited the five ski centres - Nevis Range, Cairngorm, Glenshee, Glencoe and The Lecht. More than 3,000 people